Leadscrew Bone Transport for Controlled Tissue Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for treating soft tissue injuries and bone deformities, such as diabetic foot ulcers, are inadequate in effectively increasing blood flow and inducing tissue regeneration, particularly due to limitations in non-invasive and invasive bone distraction techniques.
Innovation Solution
Development of devices and methods for transverse transport (TT) and periosteal distraction (PD) using internal or external fixation apparatuses that apply controlled, gradual distraction to bones and soft tissues, enhancing regenerative growth factors and stem cell serum levels, thereby improving angiogenesis and blood flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transverse transport and periosteal distraction techniques are applied, then blood flow and tissue regeneration are enhanced, but device complexity and procedural invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is divided into modular components including a fixation device with anchors, a distraction device with leadscrew mechanism, and a growth stimulator. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while simplifying the overall system assembly and adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The growth stimulator is positioned within the distraction device, which itself is connected to the fixation device. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional elements to be integrated in a compact configuration, reducing the overall complexity while maintaining all necessary functions.
2Reliability
If controlled mechanical stress is applied to bones and soft tissues, then regenerative growth factors and stem cell serum levels increase, but the risk of tissue damage and procedural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distraction device employs a leadscrew mechanism that enables dynamic, controlled adjustment of the distraction force applied to the bone and soft tissue. This dynamic control allows the mechanical stress to be precisely regulated to promote regeneration while preventing excessive force that could cause tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates monitoring capabilities to track the distraction process and tissue response, allowing for real-time adjustments to the applied mechanical stress. This feedback mechanism ensures that the force remains within the optimal range for regeneration while preventing tissue damage.
3Reliability
If internal or external fixation systems are used for transverse transport, then bone and soft tissue regeneration is promoted, but procedural invasiveness and treatment duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional complex external fixation mechanisms with a more efficient integrated internal fixation device combined with a leadscrew-driven distraction mechanism. This substitution reduces the number of procedural steps and shortens treatment time while maintaining effective mechanical stress application for regeneration.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation device is designed to perform multiple functions including stable bone fixation, controlled distraction, and growth stimulator integration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices and procedures, thereby reducing overall treatment duration and procedural invasiveness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The devices and methods enhance angiogenesis and blood flow, promoting tissue regeneration and reducing morbidity and mortality associated with soft tissue injuries and bone deformities, offering a safer and less invasive treatment option.
Implementation Method 1
a leadscrew dynamically coupling the base to the translatable anchor, wherein the leadscrew is configured to rotate about a leadscrew axis while substantially maintaining its longitudinal position along the leadscrew axis in relation to the base
Implementation Method 2
a screw drive rotatably coupled to the leadscrew and configured to couple to a rotatable mating tool that is configured to rotate the leadscrew via the screw drive
Data Source
AI summary
A transport device for increasing biological activity within a patient includes a base including a first end, a second end, an upper surface located between the first end and the second end, and a lower surface located between the first end and the second end, a base anchor configured to statically couple the base to a first portion of a bone of a subject, a translatable anchor configured to engage a growth stimulator, a leadscrew dynamically coupling the base to the translatable anchor, wherein the leadscrew is configured to rotate about a leadscrew axis while substantially maintaining its longitudinal position along the leadscrew axis in relation to the base, such that the growth stimulator, when engaged with the translatable anchor, is capable of independent movement in relation to the base along a stimulation axis that includes at least some transverse displacement with respect to the bone when the base is coupled to the bone via the base anchor, and a screw drive rotatably coupled to the leadscrew and configured to couple to a rotatable mating tool that is configured to rotate the leadscrew via the screw drive.